Here are a few Swahili words and phrases that you may find useful while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and traveling in East Africa more broadly. While a handful of words are simple to learn, they may go a long way in making your adventure even more enjoyable. Locals will appreciate your effort to communicate in their language, and your simple exchange of Swahili words may help you will feel more connected with them and proud of your mutual understanding. It is especially helpful when speaking to your porters who carry most of your luggage up the mountain including your sleeping tents, cooking items, water, and essentials. Being more aware of the staff who are helping you to climb Kilimanjaro safely and also your social responsibility towards local workers is important for any conscious traveller. Now, let’s get talking in basic Kilimanjaro Swahili!

Some of the below words and phrases—such as pole pole, asante, or karibu—no doubt you will hear so often that you will remember them long after your climb. Other phrases—such as poa kichizi kama ndizi—will surely impress your guides if you remember them correctly, or make them laugh otherwise. Have fun!

ENGLISH

SWAHILI

Essential Kilimanjaro Swahili

Slow

Pole pole

Thank you (very much)

Asante (sana)

(Very) welcome

Karibu (sana)

Yes

Ndio

No

Hapana

Let’s go!

Twende!

I’m sorry / excuse me!

Samahani!

OK!

Sawa!

Danger!

Hatari!

Great!

Nzuri!

I’m tired

Nimechoka

Water

Maji

Toilet

Choo

Hot

Moto

Cold

Baridi

Much

Mengi

Little

Kidogo

Fast

Haraka

Greetings in Swahili on Kilimanjaro

Hello

Jambo

How are you [informal greeting]

Habari

(Very) good [response to habari]

Nzuri (sana)

Hello [to an older person; literally “I touch your feet”]

Shikamoo

Fine [response to shikamoo; literally “I acknowledge your respect”]

Marahaba

What’s up [casual slang greeting]

Mambo (vipi)

Cool [response to mambo (vipi)]

Poa

Crazy cool like a banana (in the fridge) [reponse to mambo (vipi) if you feel particularly well]

About

Three years ago I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa and was moved by the story of one of my porters. He had fallen sick while working and his employer – a local tour company – simply left him behind to die. That’s why I started this blog and built an Ethical Fair Travel company, FairVoyage.com, to end exploitation of human life in Kilimanjaro tours.

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